From miles to mbps: the new digital reality

As we move into a larger share of digital economy, collaboration among key stakeholders is imperative to truly adapt to the changing needs of post-pandemic era

- Pratima Harigunani

A digital economy is like any other economy. Except that it works differently, with different tools, pace, habits and ecosystems. So how many of these have been cracked well in India? And has the pandemic slowed us down or pushed us ahead on this road?

THE WHOLE OF INDIA HAS ADOPTED DIGITAL ACROSS EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE AND MORE. TODAY, THE FIRST CHOICE IS AN ONLINE DOCTOR CONSULTATION FOR A HEALTHCARE NEED.

— Neeta Verma, Director General, National Informatics Centre

An interesting panel at the DQ Digital Leadership Conclave came up with some hard-hitting answers at the panel discussion on Digital Economy. And most of them galvanised on the need to have a digital mindset and an ecosystem – working in islands would not help anymore.

FROM GYM TRAINERS WHO CAN DO IMMERSIVE TRAINING TO MAIDS USING YOUTUBE FOR RECIPES – EVERYONE IS, AND WILL BE, ADAPTING TO TECHNOLOGY.

— Vinish Bawa, Head of Emerging Business, India Market, Nokia

We became fast

Why are we discussing about digital economy now when we are on this path for some time already? This poignant remark from the session moderator Sukanta Dey, CEO of Sdela Consulting, holds a lot of cue.

“Necessity has driven innovation, and so has the pandemic. No wonder, India has accelerated the digital journey. The country is very tech-savvy, from the humble rickshaw wallah to the urban smartphone owner. Use of digital economy by our citizens is very high,” What we saw in the pandemic was a fast track, echoed Neeta Verma, Director General, National Informatics Centre.